looking for a Flat Nose FE Blue Bird 169" Wheel Base

[jplabarge1975]

Hello All

I'm JP

I am looking for Blue Bird, 169" wheel base, flat nose FE bus to convert to a RV / Rig to pull a 5th Wheel Toy Hauler.

I will be moving my family into it hopefully in the fall next year to live full time for a couple of years.

Any advise of which engine I should look for. I'm leaning towards the 8.3L Cummins. Let me know if I should consider the 5.9L at all and the Allison transmission

I will be cutting off about 5' of the frame off the back. Creating a 8' bed with a 5th wheel hitch and moving the back cap of the bus up. I will also be raising the roof by 2'.

I'm already signed up on one government auction site. and have looking on craigslist as well, but any other places I should look for a bus. I like to keep it to between $1,500 and $2,500 purchase price. Let me know if that is reasonable.

I use to build custom yachts so I'm comfortable doing the work.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

The TC2000 was not offered with the 8.3 in a front engine configuration. I'm not sure about the BBAA. If you find a BBAA in usable condition on an auction site with the 8.3 for $2400 you've found a **** of a deal!

With extremely rare exception, the TC2000 will always have the AT545 transmission, which is not a great choice for towing. I have seen 2 unicorns that had the MT643 for sale. Always look up the VIN.

 

[Tango-SKO]

What Brokedown said. The 545 may just be the worst possible tranny ever for towing.

 

[jplabarge1975]

I was looking at the BBAA's, how is the 5.9L cummins?

 

[EastCoastCB]

I was looking at the BBAA's, how is the 5.9L cummins?

Its ok. The 8.3 is much better for towing and won't have a 545.

 

[cadillackid]

there was recently an 8.3 FE that sold at auction so they do exist.. it had an MT643
-Christopher

 

[EastCoastCB]

there was recently an 8.3 FE that sold at auction so they do exist.. it had an MT643
-Christopher

That would be my target for a bus-based tow rig.

 

[jplabarge1975]

Worst case I have to do a transmission swap